Immune

The Rho Agenda, Book Two

By: Richard Phillips

Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews

Length: 15 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Anyone who dares challenge the Rho Project is being systematically picked off. At the top of the hit man’s death list: NSA fixer Jack Gregory, and the three teenagers who first exposed the Rho Project’s dark agenda to the world.

On the run for their lives, Heather, Mark, and Jennifer know that the Rho Project’s alien nano-technology has been released into the world, disguised as a miracle cure. But what they don’t yet know is that the serum has taken on a life of its own, modifying human DNA in a way that even its engineers cannot control - one that will alter the very fabric of humanity.

©2012 Richard Phillips (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

A great listen

Would you listen to Immune again? Why?

Yes. Listening dosen't always mean getting the whole story the first time.Some things take a second review to get all of the meaning.

Who was your favorite character and why?

No favorites all seemed to share a level stage for me.

Which character – as performed by MacLeod Andrews – was your favorite?

He was at his best performing Jack.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but found it imposible to do so.

Any additional comments?

MacLeod's narration really made this a very good listen.

A somewhat confusing interlude with drug lords

I thought I understood the story arc of what began as a YA si-fi trilogy, apparently it took a left turn-now Jennifer is working for Columbian Drug Lords.
It goes downhill from there.
As a stand alone novel with a bit of explanation this might work, but suddenly the smart parents have turned dumb, the 3 teens are becoming Transformers and what was a sci-fi series became more of a "CIA assassin turns good guy and saves everyone" type of book.

The story arc is more of a circle and the plot line is a bucket of worms.

Right now, I'm wishing I never started this "mell of a hess" novel-it's pretty much a waste of time.

If, however, there is any saving grace, it's McLeod Andrews narration-he still can't do a womans voice but he is trying to draw the listener in.

I wouldn't waste my time, but I already bought the entire trilogy and want to see the whole thing thru.

Immune

Good story. I was more stressed at times in this book but then I was pleasantly relieved later. Whoa. All of the science fiction enhanced people are developed and mostly explained except for Jack. I, like all of the antagonists that go up against him want to know “What is he?”

Jack and Janet

This one was great, it took a little while in the middle to get moving again story wise, however beginning and end were great, I only wish Jack and Janet were in it more, their prequel has definitley been my favorite of the series so far, hope they are in all the following books a lot more!

Amazing

As always, MacLeod Andrews is amazing and so are the stories he narrates flawlessly :)

THE READER IS HOOKED

Start reading and you've taken the bait ,the hook is set and you can't let go. This book has something to please everyone.

Two ships went down at Roswell, aliens from two different civilizations. Teens interact with one ship and an evil scientist with the other. There is lots of science for Sci Fi fans, plenty of action for adrenaline junkies, a touch of romance, and for the squeamish like me, a little too much blood, guts and some messy violence. But apparently not enough to keep me from listening. All in all, a thrilling, heart pounding audible book. Can't wait to listen to the next book in the series.

awesome

this is a very good spy story. can't wait to read more. it will be awesome

WOW - Turning out to be a great series!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes - for sure. It is fun and very well done. It was hard to put down. A gripping and interesting story with great sci-fi concepts (many of which are either new or done if a fresh way), great action, and a lot of suspense.

Have you listened to any of MacLeod Andrews’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I listened to him on "The Second Ship" and I thought he did an okay job. But just as this book is much better than the first, I believe his performance was much better also. There are a lot of characters and he has to do a lot of voices. He does so very well without it sounding goofy.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I don't know what the tag line would be, but this story telling reminds me of Game of Thrones. There are multiple parallel stories going on and it gracefully jumps between them. As I read/listened I could almost envision this being produced into 10 or so episodes. This would pay homage to the story much better than a movie. The chapters are fairly short (but a lot of them) so you are not held in suspense for too long if the story jumps to other characters.

Any additional comments?

I reviewed "The Second Ship" and like many reviewers thought it was a little juvenile at times... but WOW, not this book!! I don't know if Richard Phillips took similar feedback to hart or if he just improved as an author, but this book was stellar in my opinion! This is really right-up-my-alley actually and I can't wait to dive into the final book. The situations are a bit "darker" than the first book, but not too dark. The language is a little more "adult" but not over the top. Just enough to keep various characters dialog believable. I think he did a splendid job making this more appealing to adults while also striking a good balance that doesn't kick it out of the Teen/YA category. I wouldn't hesitate letting my 16yo daughter read this, and likewise, I wouldn't be embarrassed to recommend it to any hard core sci-fi adult friend either. Nice job Mr. Phillips!

Really good Sci-Fi Thriller

This is the second book in the Rho Agenda Series. It works as a stand alone novel but is better if you read the 1st book (Second Ship) prior to this one. Actually, You would be better off reading the entire Rho Agenda Inception series first as it is a prequel and gives you all the background you need on Jack Gregory. You don't have to, but this series would be a lot better if you do.

This book is an improvement over the first as the characters and their skills and tech are pretty well established. The author eats up a lot of the first book explaining how things work, skills, and tech. He does a good job and is interesting but gets a little overdone a parts. It reminded me more of the old-school Asimov style sci-fi where the science gets more emphasis than the fiction.

That is not the case in this book. It is very fun and action oriented. The author still manages to handle some very adult concepts in ways that you know what is happening but could still let a young adult read it.

MacLeod Andrews does an incredible job as narrator. There are so many characters and each is distinct and not cartoony in the least. The one is definitely worth a credit.

Fantastic Continuation of the Series

Any additional comments?

My Audible library is nearing 200 books and I never write reviews...just no time for it. But this series took me so completely by storm that I decided it deserves a comment or two. You can read the many comments by others for details. For me, the first book was amazing and I frequently find the second in a series to be a letdown. Happily, I found this book to be even better than the first, partly because I had already fallen in love with the characters. The author, perhaps intuiting that his readers will have already made their character attachments, are ready for some surprise storyline twists and revelations about the two alien powers and agendas. He does not disappoint!

I also want to congratulate the Narrator for a five-star, perfect job. After listening to dozens of narrators, I've developed some likes and dislikes but no one does a better job than MacLeod Andrews at creating believable voices, consistent identification, and most of all, emotional vocal expressions that keep you engrossed in the story without ever being distracted by the narration itself. Like special effects in the movies, the best narration in audio books needs to be completely invisible and Mr. Andrews accomplishes this better than anyone.